Cancer is one of the worst diseases to ever plague mankind, yet it is also sadly one of the most common. There are many types of cancer out there, and while some are considered more serious than others, it’s important to understand that all forms of cancer can potentially be lethal.

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, which is why we’re looking at breast cancer causes today, along with breast cancer signs, preventative measures, and much more besides.

The good news here regarding breast cancer is the fact that, for the first time ever, breast cancer survival rate are higher than ever, though it’s important that we don’t take our feet off of the gas just yet.

Whereas nobody ever wants to be told that they’ve got cancer, on a more positive note there are certain things we can do to prevent breast cancer and to help treat it and make a full recovery.

Here is everything you need to know about breast cancer.

What are the main Breast Cancer causes?

To get things started today we’re going to take a look at what the main causes of breast cancer are.

There’s a great deal of science behind it so we’ll try to keep things fairly simple and straightforward but basically, breast cancer is caused when DNA located within cells of the breast tissue either mutate or change.

This mutation/change can then negatively impact and affect certain functions which the cell would ordinarily have been able to perform and carry out on a daily basis, namely those related to cellular division and cellular growth.

Often, because the cells have mutated, the immune system attacks and even destroys them. However, if mutated cells have escaped the human immune response, they may then be able to grow and multiply until they form a cancerous tumour in the breast tissue.

There are many different variables when it comes to what causes these changes/mutations in the cells to begin with, though there are numerous risk factors which can greatly enhance a person’s chances of contracting breast cancer in the first place.

Common Breast Cancer Causes

As mentioned, each case of breast cancer may be unique, but there are a number of variables which can greatly increase a person’s chances of contracting breast cancer.

Here are several common breast cancer causes:

Obesity

One of the main risk factors for breast cancer is obesity.

Studies have found that fat tissue can actually result in an increase in estrogen levels. High estrogen levels have been strongly linked with a heightened risk of breast cancer.

Weight gain, especially visceral belly fat, could increase a person’s chances of contracting breast cancer.

Gender

Breast cancer is significantly more common in women than in men, so if you are female, genetically you are more likely to suffer with breast cancer than a man.

Men can still suffer with breast cancer though it is far less common.

Breast cancer is 100 times more common in females than in males.

Age

Another risk factor for breast cancer is your age.

Generally, women aged 60 or above are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer, though it can still affect younger women too.

Statistically, 10 – 15% of breast cancer cases affect women aged 45 or below, though this does vary when it comes to different races and different ethnicities.

Genetics

When it comes to contracting breast cancer symptoms, your genetics can also play an integral role in determining whether or not you suffer with breast cancer. 

If you have a family history of breast cancer, you are more likely to suffer with breast cancer than somebody with no history of breast cancer in their families.

Inherited factors such as genetic mutations may also increase your risk, which is why genetic testing is considered to be so important.

Large breast density

Women who have an increased amount of glandular and fibrous tissue along with less fatty tissue are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer than women with a reduced breast density.

Not having children

Another risk factor when it comes to breast cancer is not having children.

Experts have found that women who did not have children, or who happened to become pregnant later on in life (35 or older) had much more of a chance of developing breast cancer than women who had given birth.

There is also evidence to suggest that breastfeeding can reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Changes to the menstrual cycle

When talking about breast cancer signs, we also need to consider a woman’s menstrual cycle as changes to this very cycle can result in an increased risk of breast cancer.

Those who start menstruating at an early age, or who go through the menopause at an older age (55 or above) are slightly more at risk of breast cancer which is believed to be thanks to elevated levels of Estrogen and Progesterone.

Unhealthy lifestyle choices

This is true not only of breast cancer, but for all cancers out there, as well as other diseases in general for that matter.

Those who lead unhealthy lifestyles, I.E those who binge drink regularly, smoke, use recreational drugs, don’t exercise, lead sedentary lifestyles, and eat junk food, are statistically far more likely to suffer with breast cancer than those who lead healthier lifestyles.

Choosing a hospital/doctor for your breast cancer treatment

Now that we’ve looked at some of the more common risk factors when it comes to breast cancer, let us now take a look at things to consider when choosing a country/hospital/doctor for your breast cancer treatment.

Considerations include:

The location of the hospital

When it comes to the treatment of breast cancer, or any cancer for that matter, one of the most important considerations is the location of the hospital.

If you are looking for breast cancer treatment, the hospital will need to be in a location that is convenient to you. Breast cancer treatment is rough, so having to travel for hours at a time before and after each appointment just is not practical. 

Find a hospital that is located somewhere that is convenient to you. The number of people seeking overseas medical treatment and visiting hospitals abroad has increased dramatically over the years so you may wish to consider relocating for a short while.

If for example, you find an overseas hospital specializing in breast cancer treatment, flying to and from the hospital wouldn’t be practical, so relocating a short while away from the hospital would be a great alternative.

Their communication skills

If you do decide to relocate overseas and visit a hospital abroad for medical treatment, try to find a hospital with doctors who can communicate well.

Obviously there will be language barriers, so try to find doctors who can speak your language, but also in general, find out how well they can communicate.

If they so struggle to communicate with you and keep you informed you may wish to look elsewhere as being kept in the loop during the treatment and recovery process of any illness is vital.

Their Experience

Another hugely important consideration when it comes to breast cancer treatment options is the experience of the hospital and doctors who will be treating you.

Breast cancer survival rates can increase exponentially if you are treated by a doctor that is experienced when it comes to breast cancer as they will likely know what works best, and which treatment options to avoid.

Not only that, but the more experience they have, the more informed they can keep you and the more you will find out about your condition, the treatments, and the rates of recovery.

Do your research and ask them about their experience in treating breast cancer and other similar diseases to help make your decision that little bit easier.

Can you stick with them for the duration?

Make no mistake about it, if you are seeking breast cancer treatment, this isn’t something that happens a few times over the course of a couple of months and then away you go, cured.

Breast cancer treatments can take months, then of course there are follow ups, examinations, and ongoing treatments which may last years.

Because of this, you should find a hospital and a doctor whom you can stick with for the duration, rather than one who is planning on retiring, as that could put you right back to square one.

Why medical attention is so important?

When it comes to breast cancer, time is of the essence so the sooner you can make a diagnosis and begin treatment, the better.

Never waste time and even if you have even the slightest suspicion that it may be breast cancer you should still speak to your doctor just to be on the safe side.

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